Heritage Ministries announces affiliation in Watertown

David Smeltzer, President and CEO of Heritage Ministries, and Judith Shean, Chair of Ives Hill Retirement Community, Inc, have announced that Ives Hill Retirement Community and The Lodge at Ives Hill of Watertown, NY have become affiliates of Heritage Ministries.

Ives Hill Retirement Community is a not-for-profit corporation governed by an independent Board of Directors. Construction of the campus began in June 1997. The first phase of construction for Ives Hill included a 44-unit apartment building and eight patio homes. The patio homes consist of five duplex homes and three cottages. In 2003, construction was completed on an additional seven duplex homes and five cottages. In September 2011, five new duplex homes were added. In February 2012, construction of The Lodge was completed. The Lodge is licensed by the Department of Health as an Enriched Housing Facility and offers additional support for those who can no longer live independently, but are not in need of a nursing home.

Heritage Ministries was founded as the Orphanage and Homes of the Free Methodist Church in 1886 and has grown from its original campus in Gerry, NY to six locations in New York with additional affiliations in the states of Washington, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

With this most recent affiliation, Heritage and its affiliates will have assets in excess of $138 million, will employ approximately 1,500 team members, and will serve over 2,500 individuals annually. As a not-for-profit provider of senior care and housing, Heritage is a leader in the industry, and this affiliation will serve to strengthen that position. With locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Washington, Heritage and its affiliates provide rehabilitation and skilled nursing services, independent retirement housing, and assisted living. The Homestead Stables provides intergenerational equestrian opportunities as well as boarding, training, and lessons. In addition, childcare is provided at two campuses allowing for intergenerational programs.

President and CEO, David Smeltzer, stated, “We are excited about the opportunity to continue to focus on providing person-centered care with a commitment to excellence at Ives Hill and The Lodge. We are grateful to the Ives Hill Board of Directors for trusting Heritage to provide additional leadership and expertise. Heritage is committed to providing the very best care to seniors, children, their families, and the community. We are also committed to the great group of employees who work at Ives Hill and The Lodge and we welcome them into the Heritage family. “

Ives Hill Retirement Community and the Lodge at Ives Hill, along with the staff and residents, are excited for the affiliation with Heritage Ministries. The depth of leadership and experience that Heritage Ministries brings to the organization will allow Ives Hill Retirement Community and The Lodge at Ives Hill to strengthen our client based operation and to work with us to ensure a strong plan for the future.

The affiliation of Ives Hill is one in a list of many acquisitions, expansions, and affiliations since 1995 that have occurred in the Heritage system. The expansion and growth at Heritage brings financial stability through shared overhead and revenue diversity. It has also increased the number of staff employed by Heritage locally in Chautauqua County, and most importantly this growth supports the mission of Heritage to serve others through Christ-centered ministries which promote Hope, Dignity, and Purposeful Living.